U4ia: 08.18

So Miranda came home from her mission a couple weeks early to have some surgery, but I have this great excuse to still write our family history down, since her novio is still on his mission in Paris, France for the next year. So until May 9, 2019, I'll still write a missionary letter for our blog posts. =)

So, we'll explain Zeukie Hill. It won't take long, and you probably already get it. Up on the lush grass hill in our back yard, where we put a large flat boulder for people to sit at, exists the graveyard of all of Zeus' excrement. The grass on Zeukie Hill grows so thick and so dark green, it's amaze. However, our plan of a hill where guests could go to enjoy a meal or look at the sunset is a hilarious one, since it's the one place in the yard you do NOT want to visit. Oh, and when you're sledding down it, make sure the snow is nice and thick, or you'll find that your sled, gloves, and boots are covered in something really... well, let's just say you'll have been "Zeused."

So Monday came in with a bang. Morgan turned 16 and school started!

Derek is in 8th. Notice the strategically placed broom. It's to portray that we're a hard-working family; completely cool summer porch decoration:

Halle & Kierste 6th, Connor 3rd:

And the traditional Westfield pic. And until I pulled it up to send you, I NEVER NOTICED the BELL TOWER on top of the front of the school!!! Since Miranda was in 4th grade... Eleven years of driving up to this school every day!!! Boxes of tissues as a present to their teachers. =)

When Carlie drove up with Morgan after school, he got to see his surprise truck!! Not that it's been sitting in the driveway for 9 months waiting for him... And this also doubles as his & Carlie's first day of school pics... 12th & 10th grade.

Right when Connor got home, he was whisked off with his besties to Airborne for fun. This is what happened when my friend Kristen said, "Put your arms around each other." What they heard was: Attack Connor, quick!!

That night, Carlie had a catering for Hokulia, for a company that a kid from my home town started... one of the fastest growing companies in Utah.

This day, still Monday, was one of my favorites: rainy, overcast... and this GIANT double rainbow. I don't know if you can comprehend the immensity of this rainbow. The bands were so wide... This panoramic from the back corner of our yard can't even do it justice. And poor Zeus standing next to me, seeing in black & white, couldn't stand his excitement, but didn't know what we were looking at.

Meanwhile, some of the family was at Lowe's, trying to find party lights and poles for a double birthday party we're planning for Friday night.

When everyone finally got home super late, we read the family letter to you, and opened Morgan's presents! Dad had given him a truck, so he was done, and then he got house keys, smelly trees to hang in the truck, car washes, some Black Panther swag - wearing below:

and the piece of resistence - Connor's gift. The permission, finally, to download & play Fortnite that he's been trying to talk me into for 6 months. I will have you notice Connor's usual stance when giving birthday presents:

Tuesday morning, Jeff & Miranda reported to the ever-cool Primary's.

Got cleared to get admitted... yay...

Last one!!!

The twins started soccer practice for the Fall. I promise you, there is something about Indian people emailing that all sound the same somehow. It's the punctuation and translated English that made me seriously copy the email and ask NUCS, the soccer organization, if they had been hacked. But no... it was their actual coach. One of the dads. So I stayed at the practice for a little while until I felt safe to leave. But it's going to be fine. =)

That night, Jeff & Miranda ordered a pie from The Pie Pizzeria in Salt Lake... um, you have to try this asap.

When they got home Wednesday morning, a couple more meds had been added to Miranda's regimen, so I had to get a picture. These do not include Senna, Pyridium, or Septra she takes twice a week. These are just the daily meds she was currently actively on. And I have to say, every single one was very important, and we were very grateful for it. =)

Have to also point out, that this is what it looks like when Miranda is on these awesome, grateful meds. One more decorating session for hospital return... all gold for childhood cancer.

Ok, this was another stormy day, overcast, and gorgeous. But mostly because the rain had washed the air so clear, and the pictures were fantastic. I purposely took some comparison pictures...

And the very next morning, the smoke from poor CA. This is our usual lately:

Thursday, Jeff & Morgan went on one more boating activity for Teachers. Look at the water spray... just with Jeff's phone:

Miranda & I ran some errands, and when we got home, this is how far she made it into the house. Just 6 more feet to the goal!!

When she scooted herself closer a little later, Chloe took her normal perch, after running up and kissing her all over her head... I have a short video you'll have to see later - haha!!!

And then we cleaned up Zeukie Hill, and the house and rest of the yard, and threw a huge party. The table had a couple of these on them:

And Carlie's & Morgan's groups happily co-inhabited the house & yard playing bball,

laughing & chatting,

playing social games,

eating tons of food & turning up the music on the loud speakers,

And playing Telestrations while Morgan's group started a movie in the basement... all well-laid plans to get a little alone time with a certain someone... I mean, Morgan had already reluctantly made it to his 16th bday without kissing anyone and earned the $100 prize... the night was going to be epic.

But she had to go home earlier than he had planned, so the strategies in place will have to be carried out another time. Total and complete success otherwise. It was gorgeous out, and the party lights add just the right touch with the tiki torches for a cool ambiance.

Oh, but the night was not over. Miranda made a midnight run with Jeff for sushi.

The cog was not amused that she did not get to partake. She sat with her flattened ears the whole time, eyes dilated... not amused at all.

Bright & early, it was our turn again to clean the church!

I'm always so proud of how hard & uncomplaining the kids work when we clean together. I just love it so much.

This tree on Westfield Rd. offends me, and I had to get it on record.

It did not get the memo... Fall is not actually here, stupid. I mean bim-face. Go away.

Friday & Saturday, Natalie & Studio C got to perform their last 2 live shows in NYC with Keenan Thompson from SNL. He's the longest running actor on the show, and they had so much fun. They also announced this last week, that all 10 original cast members are leaving Studio C and going on to do other cool things. We're so excited to hear what they're planning.

So Saturday night, we let the younger kids use the leftover party food and throw a party for their friends. They watched movies, played games outside, played video games, and ate tons of junk. The best times.